Jordan Rose Leon
October 05, 2019
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While Jordan was killed in a tragic accident she left us a legacy that was anything but tragic. She lived her life making a difference. She was passionate about the things she believed in, curious and intense. From climate change to women’s rights to advocacy for the Deaf she wanted all of us to be better and do more. She left her corner of the world a more caring, compassionate and inclusive place than what she found it.
On a local level, she wanted people to be nice. Jordan fought tenaciously for herself and others. Being Deaf she knew what it felt like to not fit in easily and she made serious and committed efforts to welcome others in the ways that she wished she could have been welcomed. She started an ASL club at Ankeny High school to bring people together. Jordan was open about her experiences with depression in the hopes that the stigma could be lifted and that others would be more accepting.
She would like you to remember her as someone who made you want to do more. Voting was on her bucket list for 2020. Vote because she can’t (and she would vote Democrat). Vote with compassion and an open mind and question everything, knowing that your ballot impacts the lives of all of us. Practice random acts of kindness. Be inclusive. Sit with someone new at lunch or an office meeting. Be a voice for those who aren’t being heard. Help protect the planet with your vote and your voice. Rescue an animal (or two). Respect women. Be brave.
If we all remember her in these ways, the ripple effect of her short and beautiful life will be felt far beyond those whose lives she has already touched.
Jordan was born May 30, 2002 in Fairfax, Virginia and died October 6, 2019 in Des Moines, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, you can honor Jordan with donations to The Trevor Project www.thetrevorproject.org or the Nyle DiMarco Foundation www.nyledimarcofoundation.com.
If you are unable to attend the celebration of her life on Thursday, October 17, condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
RP
10/06/2020
Jordan, I remember the night... one year ago....When I go for my walk I always stop and say a prayer where you went to Heaven that night. I will never forget and think of you often. I met your beautiful mother at your visitation. RIP Beautiful Girl.
Kris Jensen Nikolaidis
10/29/2019
Michelle and family. I am devastated for you. While I did not know your daughter, I know her amazing Mom. Im sure she was as exceptional as you Michelle. You are in my thoughts and heart.
Bill Funk
10/24/2019
I met Jordan this fall while subbing at AHS. My heart is broken to hear about her tragic accident and the devastating loss for her family. It was obvious from the moment I met her that she is a very special person with so many amazing qualities. Seldom do you find in our youth today such kindness, ambition and selflessness, but she clearly stood out from her peers and always made others feel better about themselves. I personally witnessed her magic in a classroom setting working with fellow students and AHS staff. Jordan and her family will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Ellen Hayes
10/21/2019
Michelle and family, I just learned of Jordans tragic death. The news took my breath away. I am so, so sorry. My beautiful memory of Jordan is as a sweet preschooler when we both signed Monkeys Jumping on the Bed. I will cherish that in my heart. Your loss is unimaginable and my heart aches for you. I will keep you in my prayers.
Crystal Weitz
10/21/2019
I'm so sorry for your loss, Michelle. Jordan's beautiful obituary so honored her life, personality, and passions. I can tell that the impact of her super-charged life will continue to make a difference in her sphere of influence permanently. You raised a treasure.
Prayers for comfort--Crystal
Ankeny Mom
10/18/2019
May God lift you up and hold you close. Your family has been in my constant prayers. Jordans memories will live forever and me and my family will think of her with every kind act. God Bless you??
Libby Tourte
10/17/2019
The short time I knew Jordan, I saw immediately how kind and compassionate she was to everyone. Heaven certainly gained a jewel, that is for sure. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this most difficult time.
Jami Martin
10/17/2019
Jordan was so very kind, respectful and polite, intelligent, compassionate, funny, and beautiful in ways I don't believe she ever knew or believed about herself. She made an impact on my life and I am very blessed to know her sister, Rachel, as well, and to call their beautiful mother, Michelle, my friend. We have shared many conversations over the years about life and kids and she is one of the most patient, caring, and genuinely good parents I have ever known. My heart was broken into a thousand pieces that Sunday nite when my son told me what had happened and who it was. I was heartsick and did not sleep. I was grieving as a mother, myself, but also because I know this family and I know how incredibly unfair this is. I know we don't get to pick our time or our path when it's our time to go, but I just wish hers wouldn't have been so soon. Jordan was a young lady that I KNOW would have done so much good for our world. Just look at what she did in the short amount of time she was here and all of the lives she touched. I will always remember her infectious smile and her cute freckles and her awkward humility. She is for sure flying high with the angels above, and I hope that Michelle and Rachel find peace and understanding in the days to come. I will continue to hold you both in my loving thoughts and my prayers. I am here for you always, I hope you know that.
All my love and deepest sympathy...Jami
Trish Rottinghaus
10/17/2019
As a parent, I cannot imagine the pain of losing a child so unexpectedly. My heartaches for all her family and friends. I hope you find peace and comfort knowing that she touched many lives with her beautiful smile and kindness. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
A fellow parent
10/16/2019
Heaven just became even better with Jordan now there. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Steve Martin
10/16/2019
Michelle and family, words cannot express the tremendous grief felt throughout the community and in your hearts through the loss of your beautiful daughter. Take comfort in knowing that the world today is a better place because of Jordan, and the ways in which she enriched the lives of so many will be seen for years to come. Congratulations on raising such a wonderful child, and God bless your family!
Class of 2020 Mom
10/16/2019
My prayers are with you and your family. You made a huge difference and I hope that as you found the peace you so much deserve. My condolences to the family of such an inspiring young lady ??.
Brenda Tress
10/15/2019
To the Leon family, especially Ryan, Mary Ann, and Dick,
Reading people's comments on different articles and here, I got to know Jordan better. She has a beautiful soul being just like the Leon children. I could see the family values instilled into Jordan's spirits coming from the Leon's big family. I want to send my deep condolence for your tragic loss. Burying a child is always so difficult for any parents. I pray to God to bring some comfort in the period of grief to find her death leaving the wonderful legacy for the family to treasure.
Parkview Teacher
10/15/2019
In 7th grade, Jordan was not only a dedicated and hard-working student but also knew how to make each day fun and positive for everyone in the room. She had a way of leading others naturally and effortlessly that we all admired. It seems all these wonderful traits carried with her through the years. Im honored to have come into a corner of her life. Memories that were once faded are happily vivid and cherished once again. Jordans legacy lives on, and I know all of us will remember her light.
2020 Mom & Southeast Teacher
10/15/2019
I am so sorry to hear about Jordan's passing. I remember seeing Jordan's beautiful smile as she walked through the halls at Southeast. My prayer is that the memories you have of Jordan comfort you during the coming days, weeks, and months. Holding you in prayer......